Appendix A:
Natural
Disasters
PRAISE
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PREPARE
This appendix is meant to
guide the house of
worship in the event of
various types of natural
disasters.
Many thanks to Georgia Emergency Management Agency for their resources, assistance, and
support in implementing this program in Alachua County.
Table of Contents
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General Preparations for all Types of Disasters
Page 2
Thunderstorms and Lightning
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Tornadoes
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Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Page 5
Floods and Flash Floods
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Fire
Page 7
Winter storms
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Natural Disasters
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Natural disasters are emergencies caused by forces extraneous to man in
elements of the natural environment. Natural hazards cannot be managed and
are often interrelated. Natural hazards can occur and cause no damage to humans or the built
environment; however, when hazards and development intersect, significant damage to the built
environment occurs, causing a natural disaster.
General Preparations for All Types of Disasters
Some preparation activities are applicable to all types of hazards. These activities are important to consider
for the [Insert name of your house of worship], regardless of the actual type of natural disaster most likely to
occur in the area.
Preparation
 Each staff member should have personal emergency supply kits as well as family communications
plans.
 All congregants should be encouraged to have personal emergency supply kits and family
communications plans.
 An organizational emergency supply kit should be prepared. This should include important
documents, such as insurance and financial information; member contact information; ministry
supplies; etc.
 A congregation communication plan should be established. This should include emergency
communication among staff members, as well as communication to congregants.
 A Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) should be created. This will assist the house of worship
in a making a swifter recovery. (See the Praise & Prepare Toolkit for a COOP Template.)
 A Membership Care Plan should be established. This should determine how the [name of house of
worship leadership team] will continue to care for [Insert name of your house of worship] members in the
event the building is damaged, an evacuation is required, etc.
 Determine how [Insert name of your house of worship] plans to be involved in response and recovery
activities of the surrounding community. Contact Alachua County Emergency Management for
more information on ways to be involved in response and recovery in your community.
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 The [house of worship emergency planning team], the [name of house
of worship leadership team], and staff should sign-up for and
monitor all emergency notifications that may be sent out by
local authorities. This includes TV and radio announcements, as
well as the various communication avenues used by Alachua
County Emergency Management (ACEM). CodeRED, AHAS,
Twitter, Facebook, and the ACEM website (alachuacounty.us/em)
are all sources of information.
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Thunderstorms and Lightning
Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence in our area. They are often accompanied by lightning, damaging
winds, and hail. A severe thunderstorm is sometimes a prelude to a tornado. National Weather Service
definitions are as follows:
 Severe Thunderstorm: Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows: 1) Winds of 58 mph
or higher AND/OR 2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger
 Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe
thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur.
It only means they are possible.
 Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued when
severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent in the warning area.
Preparation
 Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during
a severe thunderstorm.
 Remember the 30/30 lightning safety rule: After seeing lightning, go indoors if you cannot
count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of
thunder.
Response
 The [house of worship leadership team] will monitor the weather reports by the National
Weather Service and/or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
 The Emergency Management Team shall be activated, if necessary, to assist in contacting
parents and releasing congregants
 Staff will depart, as necessary, after members have left.
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Tornadoes
Tornadoes are not uncommon in this region of Florida. These
storms are generally small and short-lived, yet they are the most
violent of all atmospheric phenomena. National Weather Service
definitions are as follows:
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 Tornado Watch: A Tornado Watch is issued when tornadoes are possible in and near the
watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.
 Tornado Warning: A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a
tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Preparation
 Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
 Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away
from corners.
Response
 Tune into the local TV/radio station or weather alert radio for updated information when
notified of a tornado watch.
 During a watch, close all windows and doors.
 During a warning, leave all doors and windows closed.
 Move congregation to the designated emergency shelter areas if the watch becomes a warning.
 Immediately follow emergency procedures when a tornado warning occurs. The signal should
be an announcement over the PA system or through a designated messenger sent to other
buildings on campus if it is safe to do so.
 Move quickly to a temporary shelter area if there is not sufficient time to move to the
designated emergency shelter.
 Take personal belongings only to provide extra protection (i.e., large books, notebooks, or
coats may be held over head and shoulders).
 Take position for greatest safety by sitting down with head down and hands locked at the back
of the neck.
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Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
With over 1,000 miles of coastline, Florida is particularly at risk for
hurricanes and tropical storms. Storms that form in the southern
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have the potential to
affect our state. National Weather Service definitions are as follows:
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 Tropical Storm: A Tropical Storm is a tropical cyclone containing
winds of 39 to 73mph. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or
river flooding.
 Tropical Storm Watch: A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical storm poses a possible
threat, generally within 48 hours. The watch does not mean that tropical storm conditions will
occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
 Tropical Storm Warning: A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when a tropical storm is
expected to affect an area within 36 hours.
 Hurricane: A Hurricane is a tropical cyclone containing winds of 74mph or higher. These winds
may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
 Hurricane Watch: A Hurricane Watch is issued when a hurricane poses a possible threat,
generally within 48 hours. The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur. It only
means that these conditions are possible.
 Hurricane Warning: A Hurricane Warning is issued when a hurricane is expected to affect an
area within 36 hours. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a
combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds
may be less than hurricane force.
Preparations
 Have personal and house of worship emergency supply kits on hand and ready in case of an
evacuation.
 Prepare to secure your property.
Response
 [House of worship leadership team] and staff will listen to the advice of local officials and evacuate the
area when told to do so.
 [House of worship leadership team] and staff will monitor weather radio and local media outlets for
evacuation instructions.
 If advised not to evacuate, all members and staff in the building will stay indoors and away from
windows.
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 Staff will work to provide support to any families affected by
the hurricane according to the Membership Care Plan.
 [House of worship leadership team] will contact congregants
following the event to determine who and how to help.
 As possible, the [name of house of worship] will assist the surrounding
community according to their predetermined community response plans or in whatever ways needs
may present themselves.
Floods and Flash Floods
Floods are the second most common and widespread of all natural disasters, after fire. Floods can be slow
or fast rising but generally develop over a period of days.
Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They
occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. Communities particularly at
risk are those located in low-lying areas or near water.
Preparation
 Know your area’s flood risk – if you’re unsure, call your local emergency management agency.
 Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about
your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is
designed to provide reasonable flood insurance in exchange for the careful management of floodprone areas by local communities. Visit fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program for more
information.
 Reduce potential flood damage by raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if they are
in areas of your house of worship that may be flooded.
Response
 Staff should turn off utilities at the main switches. The designated person should unplug appliances
and not touch electrical equipment.
 Staff should not stack sandbags against the outside facility walls, this increases the amount of
pressure placed on the structure which can cause damage.
 If water is standing in the facility, staff should let it flow freely through the facility to avoid further
structural damage.
 Staff should avoid downed power lines.
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 Staff will ensure that no one drinks tap water due to
contamination.
 Staff will monitor weather radios during periods of torrential
rain.
 Staff will keep all congregants indoors, and encourage them not to
leave in cars when flash flood warnings have been issued until the community
has been deemed safe.
 [House of Worship Leadership Team] will consult with public safety officials to determine the best
course of action.
 The entire house of worship community will be notified if the facility must be evacuated to a safer
area on higher ground.
 The entire house of worship community will be notified if its activities are cancelled, opened late,
or closed early because the facility has been evacuated, is damaged, is being used as an emergency
shelter for the community, or for any other reason requires a change of schedule.
 [House of Worship Leadership Team] and staff will work to provide support to any families affected by
flooding.
Fire
A fire may originate within a building or threaten from the outside. A small fire can quickly become out of
control and jeopardize the safety of those in the vicinity. Internal fires may result from a variety of causes,
ranging from carelessness to arson.
Preparation
Equipment
 All personnel and members should be familiar with the location and operation of the alarm
systems and fire extinguishers.
 All equipment should be marked and maintained in accordance with local and state regulations.
Evacuation Plans and Instructions
 Evacuation plans and routes should be determined by the [house of worship emergency planning
team].
 Fire evacuation diagrams should be posted in every hallway, classroom, and meeting space.
 Fire exits should be labeled both in the building and on the fire evacuation diagram.
 Keep a copy of evacuation instructions in all classrooms in the house of worship.
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 Post instructions next to fire evacuation diagrams.
 Designate members and staff to be responsible for closing
windows and doors when leaving rooms; checking
adjacent restrooms, meeting rooms, and storage areas;
assisting members with special needs; and guarding exits to
prevent unauthorized persons from entering the buildings.
 Establish personnel to shut down utilities and conduct safety checks of
grounds and transportation.
Response
 Sound an alarm and notify the fire department immediately upon the discovery of a fire.
 Conduct evacuation of buildings immediately and in an orderly manner using designated
evacuation paths and exits.
 Use evacuation procedures defined in the evacuation instructions. These may include: member
accountability, closing doors and windows, and perimeter control.
 Remain vigilant and aware of surrounding activities during evacuations.
 Avoid establishing a single evacuation assembly point.
 The house of worship is encouraged to have evacuation emergency kits.
 An assigned person will shut off power and gas during an evacuation, if possible.
 Doors should not be locked in the building in order to allow public safety quick access.
Winter Storms
The major dangers of winter storms are intense cold, power outages, and breakdown of transportation due
to poor visibility and road conditions. Though these are uncommon in our area, they are possible and
preparations should be taken, as they can have a significant impact on our community.
Preparation
 Staff will contact house of worship congregants to inform of any delays, cancellations, or
required early dismissals.
Response
 Winter storms are often accompanied by power outages. Always exercise caution when using
alternative light and heating sources:
 Use flashlights during power outages instead of candles to prevent the risk of fire, and
have plenty of extra batteries on hand.
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 Never bring portable generator inside the facility.
 Keep them at least 20 feet away from the building,
doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning.
 Contact vulnerable congregants to ensure access to
necessary supplies (generators, fuel, blankets, etc.).
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